In this guide, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about playing poker in the state of New York. We’ve provided a list of legal NY poker sites where you can play online right now as well as some information on live poker venues across the state.
Online poker in New York is slightly different from other states since it only offers shared liquidity with New Jersey and Nevada at select sites. That being said, players have access to some of the highest tournament guarantees and largest player pools in the country at those . For a complete look at all if our top-rated options for legal online poker in New York, check out the list below:
Summary of the Best NY Poker Sites 2023
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Are Online Poker Sites Legal in New York?
Yes. Poker is legally available at numerous licensed offshore poker rooms in New York. As per the Federal Wire Act, online poker was put on hold for a while but soon after the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act cleared things up. The UIGEA left poker in a gray area which allowed states to regulate the industry as they saw fit. New York has yet to fully regulate online poker, but several licenced offshore sites are currently offering their services to New Yorkers with no repercussions.
In essence, there are no laws that prohibit New York residents from playing online poker at licensed offshore sites. Offshore sites must be licensed in order to operate legally and offer safe, secure gameplay for users. You can find more details regarding this further down in our “Licensing” section.
Amazing Slots Tips & Tricks - How to Win at SlotsRanking Criteria for Free or Real Money NY Poker Rooms
We use a strict set of criteria when reviewing poker rooms in order to provide you with objective recommendations. It’s important not to base your decision solely on welcome bonuses and instead consider factors such as software reliability, tournament offerings, tracking software compatibility, and cash out times. Although everyone has their own preferences when playing poker, there are still objective aspects that allow us to compare websites and objectively determine which ones are better. With that being explained, please find below the main categories we evaluated while making our ranking of the best poker sites in New York.
Payout Times: We checked how fast you can withdraw your money from each site. In addition, we also took into consideration the number of withdrawal options that each poker room provides to its customers.
Reputation: Analyzing the reputation of an online poker operator might give you valuable insights into what you could expect from it. Therefore, we spent a considerable amount of time researching customer reviews and ratings, expert appraisals, etc.
Bonuses: A hefty signup bonus always feels great, but good terms and conditions feel even better! Therefore, we not only listed the best first deposit bonuses available for NY players, but we also made sure they don’t fool you with tricky terms.
Game Variety: Diversity is key, especially if you tend to switch up the type of poker games you play. We considered the availability of Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, and less popular variations like 32-Card Draw or Pineapple. Also, we checked whether NY poker players can enjoy Guaranteed Tournaments, Freerolls, Sit & Go’s, Cash Games, and Speed Poker.
Software and Graphics: Poker sites with intuitive software and user-friendly interface received higher scores. Other elements that were taken into account included mobile compatibility, custom cizable features, hot keys, and two-factor authentication options.
Licensing: Safety and security are paramount when choosing any real money platform, so we checked that all recommended poker operators hold a valid gambling license. Moreover, we ensured that the poker sites serving New Yorkers have licenses from reputable regulatory bodies, such as the Malta Gaming Authority (or MGA).
Advantages and Disadvantages of Playing at NY Online Poker Rooms
Playing at the best New York poker sites comes with plenty of advantages, including quick and easy access to both cash games and tournaments. Players can enjoy speed poker, big guaranteed prize tournaments, and excellent promotions without having to travel to a brick-and-mortar casino. However, there are some drawbacks to online poker too. While traffic will be relatively high at peak times, during the night or early hours of the morning, competition may be harder to come by. Additionally, online poker rooms may cap table games to boost traffic in cash games and tournaments. Finally, bad players are less likely to make 'bad' or 'tilting' decisions that may actually offset a cooler, whereas at the live tables, they provide a punch bag for your frustration.
Pros
- Accessible on smartphones and tablets
- Massive annual tournaments with huge guarantees
- Plenty of daily tournaments and series
Cons
- Shorter term sustainability remains uncertain
- Player base can reduce significantly at certain times
- Some players prefer the social aspect of live poker
Can You Play Poker in New York?
Yes, you can play poker in New York at licensed offshore sites. Live poker is widely available throughout the state in commercial casinos, Indian casinos, racinos, and card rooms. When it comes to regulations for online poker, New York follows a decentralized model in which prizes are considered the property of the player rather than the operator/host. This means that operating an in-state online poker network would not be legal, but operating an out-of-state network that allows New York players to compete with players in other states would be legal. At this time, three poker operators share player pools across state lines, enabling New York poker players access to one of the highest-liquidity networks in the US.
Best Real Money Casino Games Online (2023)Top List of Licensed NY Poker Rooms
Before getting started with our detailed reviews, here’s a shortlist of the most reputable online poker rooms in NY. All poker sites featured in this guide are licensed, secure, and legal, but each one of them stands out through specific strengths that set them apart from competitors. So, if you already know what feature is essential for a satisfactory online poker experience, you can quickly jump to the corresponding poker room by clicking on its name above. Otherwise, we recommend reading our complete reviews or continuing with this guide for finding the best poker site for New Yorkers.
online ny casino1. BetOnline – Best Legal Poker Site in New York for Fast Payments
BetOnline poker room uses soft games with lots of active fish. It delivers a smooth and stable gaming experience thanks to its reliable software and professional customer support team. If you love poker tournaments, then BetOnline should definitely be your go-to poker room. They regularly host major events like the Weekly Sundays with guaranteed prize pools ranging from $35,000 to $100,00. Not only that, but BetOnline also gives you the chance to get a piece of the action every single day with their Deepstack satellite tourneys.
Data shows BetOnline is one of the fastest paying poker sites in New York, as most transactions are processed within 15 minutes after the request is made. You can use credit/debit cards, eChecks, Skrill, Neteller, Crypto (Bitcoin, BitcoinCash, Litecoin, and Ethereum) to make deposits or withdrawals on this site with no extra fees. Their customer support agents are available 24/7 via phone, live chat, or email. BetOnline is so confident in its services that it is the only poker site in New York that offers a 100% welcome bonus with no string attached. Just by depositing at least $25, you can claim 36% rakeback for life plus a free play money account, which allows you to win real money prizes.
of the Best Hot Drop Jackpots to Play at BetMGM CasinoWhat we brag most about BetOnline is its wide range of payment methods that guarantee a seamless transaction experience for New York poker players. While most of its competitors restrict the use of credit/debit cards due to legal issues, BetOnline is still proud of its approval rate – over 90%. Furthermore, if you prefer cryptocurrencies, BetOnline welcomes them all with open arms. Whether it’s Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, or XRP, you can use any kind of digital assets to get a nice welcome bonus and earn extra rewards by just being part of their loyalty program.
2. Everygame – Best NY Poker Bonus and VIP Rewards Program
If you want a solid welcome offer combined with an amazing VIP program, then Everygame is the perfect choice for you. Their welcome bonus reaches 200% of your deposit amount, meaning you can easily get at least $750 in extra cash. Unlike many other poker sites that split the bonus into small chunks, Everygame credits your account in one go so that you can immediately benefit from the extra funds. Their VIP program is based on a tiered system that can reward you with 10% cashback, exclusive bonuses, entries into freeroll tournaments, and much more.
Their customer support team is very responsive and will happily assist you around the clock via phone, live chat, or email. Unfortunately, Everygame does not process payments instantly like BetOnline. Credit/debit card transactions take approximately 5 days before the request is completed, while bank transfers and courier checks can take up to 15 business days. On the other hand, cryptocurrencies are still a fast and reliable option, as you can get your transaction approved within 24 hours.
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Bovada is the only online poker site in New York with a five-star rating based on more than 100 customer reviews. Part of their outstanding reputation is directly linked to their user-friendly mobile application that allows players to join cash games or tournaments from anywhere inside the state. Bovada runs frequent poker tournaments with total prizes going up to $100,00 and buy-ins starting from just $3.30. Their Welcome Bonus will grant you a free $50 play-money account plus up to $3,750 in bonus credits valid for the casino and poker.
Similar to Everygame, Bovada’s deposit/withdrawal processing time is longer compared to BetOnline. You may have to wait up to 48 hours until your transaction gets approved, except for crypto payments that remain the fastest and most convenient method to move funds in/out your Bovada account. Since it was founded back in 2004, Bovada managed to build a strong brand image in New York, attracting hundreds of new players every month.
Ways Casinos Are Using Facial Recognition TechnologyOverview of Poker Games in New York
Currently, there are more than 18 poker rooms spread across 13 Resorts and Casinos in New York State. These venues offer a variety of , video poker, and other games. Cash games typically run from $1/$2 to $10/$20 blinds and higher depending on the location. Most rooms spread No Limit Holdem, No Limit Holdem, Seven Card Stud, Omaha Hi Lo, and mixed games. Based on data collected from independent sources, we created a map highlighting the top live poker venues in New York.
Living Up to Reputation – Alexey Ryokin Wins WSOP Main Event
New York has been home to some of the best poker minds in history, generating top-level professionals such as Erik Seidel, Dan Nielsen, Phil Hellmuth, and Bill Kenneally. The latest addition to this illustrious bunch comes from Siberia and goes by the name of Alexey Ryokin. The young Russian moved to New York City to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional player and recently won a 2022 WSOP bracelet in the $1k Tag Team event together with Christopher Paul. With this victory, Ryokin proved that living outside of the US doesn’t exclude you from competing at the highest level and taking advantage of legal New York poker sites.
golden nugget ac poker tournamentsAvailable Bonuses and Promotions
Welcome bonuses are one of the main reasons why many players choose a particular poker room. In general, these promotions include a matching amount of free plays based on your initial deposit. For example, most New York poker sites offer a 100% match, which means that if you add $50 to your account, you will receive another $50 in bonus cash.
Most of the time, you have to unlock these rewards by collecting a specific number of points. Generally, playing with real money will grant you a fixed amount of points per week/month/etc. You can use these rewards to purchase various goods, such as merchandise or tournament tickets. However, you should read the full terms and conditions before claiming a promotion, particularly the wagering requirements.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options for New York Poker Players
You will not experience any issues making payments on our recommended as credit/debit cards are accepted. While direct bank transfers may not be possible, you could use ACH transfer or a checking account. The preferred method for processing payments on all poker sites is cryptocurrency. Not only do coins such as Bitcoin offer enhanced security and speedy transactions, but they also remain decentralized financial instruments in most jurisdictions – including New York State. The graph below offers a brief overview of the available payment methods at our top-ranked New York poker site – BetOnline Poker.
- Cryptocurrency is by far the best payment method at our top-rated NY poker site, BetOnline.co.
- Credit/Debit Cards are accepted at all legal New York poker rooms for both deposits & withdrawals.
- Checks are offered as a withdrawal option for all poker players in New York.
Legal Status of Poker Sites in NY
The main point to highlight here is that no legislation has been passed in New York specifically addressing online poker. However, the federal wire act does apply within the state, which means that an entity must obtain a state license to operate online poker. It appears that lawmakers in New York are taking their time to study existing legislations in other states and craft proposals accordingly. For now, poker rooms are operating legally under the “wire bet exception,” which exempts the passing of funds through communication lines from the definition of “ Gambling ” under New York Consolidated Laws Penal Section 225.00 et seq.
It’s important to note that the New York Gaming Commission regulates Native American casinos and the Lottery, but there is no independent state gaming commission that oversees licensed offshore poker sites. That being said, reputable brands go through extensive auditing of their Random Number Generators (RNG) and are licensed by reputable regulatory organizations, such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), Panama Gaming Commission, or Kahnawake Gaming Comission (KGC).
The Future of Poker Rooms in NY
State Senator Joseph Addabbo introduced online bill S1830 in January 2022, which would authorize the New York State Gaming Commission to issue interactive gaming licenses. The proposed law defines “interactive gaming” as “the offering of a game of chance” through an internet website or similar service for players located within the state. This would include all sorts of poker games, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, slots, keno, and wheel of fortune style games, among others.
Best No Deposit Bonus Slots - Top Free Spins Games in 2023Another bill focused on in-person registration for online poker and casino games was referred to the Rules Committee in June 2022. It seems that lawmakers want players to physically visit a casino to create an online account and set location-monitoring software. Even though New York online poker is not as developed as in other states, players can still enjoy their favorite game at licensed offshore sites.
Live Poker Rooms in New York
Resorts World Catskills – This venue features 96,000 square feet of gaming space with 105 live table games, including Vegas Cheek ‘Em, Let It Ride, Spanish 21, Pai Gow, Mini and Midi Baccarat, Crapless Craps, and Florida Stud. You can also find Electronic Roulette, 330 Slot Machines, and 26 electronic table games. The closest poker room to Manhattan, New York City. Monthly Guaranteed Tournament ($5k), Daily Tournaments, No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha Cash Games ($1/$2 blinds), Big Blind Ante, and Mississippi Stud are available.
fast fortune slots casino appAwesome Casino & Restaurant – Located near Rochester, Awesome Casino & Restaurant is open 24/7 and spreads 400+ slot machines, Video Poker, Electronic Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, Texas Hold’em, and Pai Gow. This casino does not disclose info related to their poker room, so we suggest contacting them directly if you plan to organize a private tournament.
Del Lago Resort and Casino – Spread across 200,000 square feet, Del Lago Resort and Casino features 2,000 of the latest slot machines, 50 table games, Electric Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, 3 Card Poker, Mini and Midi Bacarrat, and a full sports bar. Their poker room covers 27,000 sq. Ft with 30 tables, electronic roulettes, and dozens of TVs broadcasting sporting events. Del Lago hosts Monthly Tournaments ($10k GTD), No Limit Hold’em Cash Games ($1/$2 blinds), Omaha, and Big Blind Ante.
Empire Resort Casino – This casino covers 60,000 sq. ft with more than 2,000 of the latest slot machines, Electronic Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, Spanish 21, 3 Card Poker, Minnesota Bingo, and Baccarat. Players can also attend regular tournaments ($10k monthly), cash games ($1/$2 blinds), and Omaha tables.
Jezam’z Casino & Hotel – Jezam’z Casino offers slot machines, video poker, electronic roulette, blackjack, and weekly tournaments ($500 GTD). Their 24/7 restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, and beverages at affordable prices. You can also book party rooms, arcade games, darts, pinball, ATMs, and other amenities.
Little River Casino Resort – Little River spreads 100+ slot machines, electronic roulette, blackjack, and weekly tours (July-August). You can also find video poker, Keno, food outlets, and live entertainment events.
Montgomery County Community College – This poker room covers 2,500 sq. ft with 8 tables and natural sunlight. Students, professors, and staff members organized a GoFundMe campaign to turn an old classroom into one of the best university poker rooms in the US. Their efforts paid off, and today MCC poker club hosts biweekly tournaments ($500 GTD), cash games, and special events. However, you you must be at least 21 years old with proof of residency to play there.
Casino Bonuses (Updated October 2023) - Best Casino Bonus OffersOzone Park Hoppus Temple Sisterhood – The sisterhood of Hoppis Temple Beth Elohim runs a charity poker room with Texas Holdem cash games and tournaments. Anyone can enter, but smoked is strictly prohibited, and the minimum age is 21. You can contact them via phone and learn more about upcoming events and schedules.
Resorts World Catskill Mountain – Resorts World Monticello covers 185,000 sq. ft with 2,150 of the latest slot machines, Electronic Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, 3 Card Poker, Mini and Midi Bacarrat, and a full sports bar. This casino does not disclose info related to their poker room, so we suggest contacting them directly if you plan to organize a private tournament.
Saratoga Casino Black Horse – Operated by Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, Black Horse Tavern is an Irish-Themed Restaurant with more than 500 historical horse racing photographs, artwork, and memorabilia. Their menu includes classic dishes, craft beer, and happy hours between Monday and Thursday. Sadly, this venue does not offer any gambling options aside from your average pub game.
Seneca Buffalo Casino – Seneca Buffalo Casino features over 800 slot machines, High Limit Slots, Electronic Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, 3 Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and traditional dining options. Their poker room used to cover 2500 sq. ft with 11 tables but unfortunately closed in 2022.
Seneca Gaming & Entertainment Niagra – Niagra is one of the largest Seneca Casinos with more than 2,000 slot machines, progressive jackpots, High Limits, Electronic Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, 3 Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, casual restaurants, and premium bars. Seneca Niagra also had a poker room with 12 tables, but it’s currently unavailable.
Must-See Films for Poker Players - #1 is a surprise!Seneca Salamanca Gaming & Entertainment – Spread across 62,000 sq.ft., Seneca Salamanca offers 550 slot machines, Progressive Jackpots, High Limit Slots, Electronic Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, 3 Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and tasty buffets. Sadly, their poker room is currently unavailable.
Tyler Creek Resort – Tyler Creek Resort covers 71,000 sq. ft with 990 of the latest slot machines, Electronic Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, 3 Card Poker, Mini and Midi Bacarrat, Sports Bar, and Fast Food Outlets. This casino does not disclose info related to their poker room, so we suggest contacting them directly if you plan to organize a private tournament.
Vernon Downs & Vernon Hotel – Vernon Downs is a Harness Racing Track that organizes more than 200 live meetings per year. Players can watch races from the comfort of their armchairs or place bets online via the RIDEAPP MOBILE APP. This facility also features Video Poker, Historical Racing Machines (HRMs) with 600 PRINTOUT VLTs connected to batavia downloads, contests, daily giveaways, and thematic parties.
Conclusion
As you can see, New Yorkers benefit from numerous opportunities to enjoy regulated and legal poker games. Local venues spread from NYC to small towns, providing entertainment options for the entire family. Those looking for adrenaline-packed tournaments or casual cash games can find great options at live poker rooms in Albany, Buffalo, Jamaica, NY, and other cities.
However, most poker players in NY prefer due to their stability, affordability, and wider liquidity. While lawmakers are working on state-wide regulations, offshore brands continue offering their services to New Yorkers. Keep in mind that these platforms must be licensed and regulated elsewhere, but they do not violate internal state laws.
Best Free Slot Apps for iPhone & iPad - Oct. 2023FAQs
Is online poker illegal in New York?
No. You can access legal New York poker sites operated under licenses from offshore governments. However, locally-based poker sites that do not possess any type of license can face legal actions.
How can you deposit on a poker site in New York?
Most New York poker sites accept Visa, Mastercard, Person2Person, Bank Transfers, Cryptocurrencies, Money Orders, and Cashier’s Checks. Before making any deposit, you must ensure that the transaction method is available in your region and that your identity has been verified.
Best Slingo Apps to Win Real Money on iOS & Android, 2023Does New York share player information with other states?
Yes. New York online poker sites share player pools with neighboring states to increase overall liquidity and ensure the greatest prize pools for locals. As of 2023, players at and can connect to networks in NJ, DE, PA, and MI.
Do all casinos in New York have poker rooms?
No. Resorts World Catskills, Awesome Casino & Restaurant, Seneca Salamanca Gaming & Entertainment, Seneca Niagra, Tyler Creek Resort, and Little River Casino & Hotel either do not have the administrative/financial capacity to manage a proper poker room or have decided to remove this gaming option.
What is the legal age to play poker in New York?
You must be at least 21 years old to play poker at licensed offshore poker sites and commercial casinos in New York. Some charitable and social poker games may accept players from 18-20 years old, but you should always confirm the rules with the organizer.
